The University Center for Survey Research conducts focus groups of generally 12 to 15 people. The focus group research technique allows for exploratory research on a topic of interest.
Respondents typically meet in a room with one or two UCSR focus group facilitators, whom guide the group through a series of discussions. The facilitators assist the participants to keep the discussions “focused” on the research topic at hand.
Facilitators design and use a research protocol to guide the discussions and to assure that the necessary material is covered. Various techniques are used to develop the focus group sample depending on client needs.